(05-04-2012 09:44 AM)germanyt Wrote: I don't think I've read a fiction novel in 15 years or more. I'd rather read the dictionary TBH. I remember liking The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Where the Red Fern Grows, and The Outsiders.

There's two kinds of books in the world; there's fiction, then there's homework.

American Psycho - it's hard to stomach, but it's incredibly clever and satirical
1984 - considering the time this book was written, it was well thought out and a nice short engaging and interesting story
it - Stephen King knows how to creep you out
Deception Point - twists and turns, interesting story
The bible - best comedy I have read for a long time

This Batman—his way is vengeance; the word of the Batman proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. (Gordon 2:12)

Of Human Bondage - W. Somerset Maugham - A lot of words in this book… odd how many are all so different, including the same ones.

Ulysses - James Joyce - I will probably read again and again over again where words blow past to rustle hair and whistle through earrsssshhhooosssee

Bend Sinister - Vladimir Nabokov - If you are into Nabokov, you realize that many other writers correctly spell their words while Nabokov lets words be musical notes, wallpaper, and iridescent dust on butterfly wings… then just pretends to let you read them in the mirror.

To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee - It's really no wonder she didn't write anything more; she had her say.

Man In The High Castle - Philip K Dick - If you read it… by the time you finish… you'll wonder if you really did read it or not.

*******
All great - might be revised tomorrow... but these are always in my mind, somewhere.

A new type of thinking is essential if mankind is to survive and move to higher levels. ~ Albert Einstein

I hardly ever finish books because I usually read scholarly reference material. But here are five that I have actually finished. They are listed as they come to mind, not in any particular order.

1. The Sinbad Voyage (1983) by Tim Severin - Tells the real life story of how a modern day adventurer built an Arab Dhow using 9th century techniques (sewn boards instead of nails) and sailed all the way to China from the Middle East.

2. Before the Dawn (2007) by Nicholas Wade - Is the most succint description of "deep" human history that I have ever read. It covers everything from what the society and life of our ape-like ancestor was probably like to when humans settled down and began to record history.

3. Novels 4, 5, & 6 of the Sano Ichiro Series by Laura Joh Rowland - I'm counting these as one since they are a part of a series. They basically follow the adventures of a Samurai detective living in 17th century Japan. I read these long ago while serving in the military.

4. Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002) and Bad Grass Never Dies (2004) by Chuck Barris - Again, I'm counting these as one since the latter is a continuation of the former. These books recount Chuck's dual life as a TV show producer and a CIA assassin. Some people think he is lying, others think he might be telling the truth. I don't have enough info about his claims to lean either way. These were still a VERY fun read!

5. Peacemaking Among Primates (1990) by Frans de Waal - A study on the methods of reconciliation used by captive Chimps, Rhesus Monkeys, Stump-tailed Monkeys, and Bonobos. The last chapter deals with humans and how the preceding chapters reflect an evolutionary mechanism for reconciliation. This is a must for people trying to discover the origins of morality.

I feel obliged to mention a sixth since I have read it three times (no small feet since it is thousands of pages long)...

6. Journey to the West (1592) by an anonymous author - Tells the story of a monkey being born from a stone egg, his acquisition of immortality, magic skills, and a 13,500 lb (6,123 kg) weapon, his war with heaven and subsequent imprisonment by the Buddha, and his release and protection of a Buddhist monk traveling from China to India. He defeats all sorts of gods and demons along the way. This story influenced the creation of the famous Manga and Anime Dragon Ball series.